JEFFERYS, THOMAS.
The natural and civil history of the French dominions in North and South America. Giving a particular account of the climate, soil, minerals, animals, vegetables, manufactures, trade, commerce, and languages, together with the religion, government, genius, character, manners and customs of the Indians and other inhabitants.Thomas Jeffreys, London 1760 - First edition, folio, 2 vols. in 1; pp. [8], 132, *129-*142, 133-168; [4], 246 (with numerous errors in pagination); 18 large folding engraved maps and plans; contemporary sprinkled calf, neatly rebacked to match, red morocco label on spine; moderate wear to extremities, some very light spotting to a few maps, otherwise a nice, large copy. The last and most complete issue of this wonderful book, with 14pp. of additional text inserted (in most copies only 10pp. are inserted); this copy also contains the cancel on p. 80 of the second volume which is often wanting. Issued in the middle of the French and Indian War, this grand work provided English readers with a detailed assessment of the French possessions in America. The first part of the work is devoted to Canada and Louisiana and is based for the most part on the work of Charlevoix, Labat, and the Jesuit Relations. After the book's initial publication, additional materials regarding the siege and capture of Quebec were made available and part of the narrative was subsequently rewritten and inserted with starred pages into the volume. As previously noted, most copies with extra pages contain only 10 starred pages. This copy, like the Streeter copy, contains 14; the four extra pages contain an account of "The French attempt to retake Quebec in 1760." The second part of the book contains an account of the French possessions in the Caribbean and South America, including Santo Domingo, Guadaloupe, Grenada, Cayenne, etc. The fine, large maps included in this book are of particular interest and importance. They include town plans of Quebec, Montreal, Louisbourg, and New Orleans, as well as maps of Canada and the Ohio and Mississippi country. "A monumental geographic work important equally for its text as well as its maps" (Streeter I, 128.) Howes J83; TPL 319; Field 775; JCB I, 1260; JFB J43; Lande 471; Sabin 35964. [Attributes: First Edition]
[Bookseller: Rulon-Miller Books (ABAA / ILAB)]